Life imitates art in Clockwork Orange incident

One of the producers of the highly anticipated stage show A Clockwork Orange was attacked in Canberra on Tuesday afternoon.

Matthew Henderson, the production stage manager for the theatrical adaptation of Anthony Burgess' dystopian novel, was shopping in the city centre for props for the show, which opens its four-night run at the Canberra Theatre Centre on Wednesday, when he was approached by a man and harassed.

Actors rehearsing for the stage show A Clockwork Orange running at Canberra Theatre for four nights. Photo: Supplied

''I just popped out to buy the perishable items which the show needs, like oranges and carrots, at the supermarket when a man came up to me and asked if I was an undercover policeman. I said no but then he spat on me, began circling me, then followed me around, trying to intimidate me,'' Mr Henderson said of the incident, which is eerily similar to the violent 90-minute stage show.

''I should have assumed the role. I needed my 'droogs' with me.''

He said the man then followed him to a nearby fast-food restaurant and shoved him before demanding money.

''I offered to buy him lunch as he looked homeless but all he wanted was money.''

Mr Henderson said he called the police after the man then began harassing a group of schoolchildren and a young woman.

ACT Police said they responded to the call and a 42-year-old man, who was allegedly intoxicated, was taken into custody.